LEAST BIASED
These sources have minimal bias and use very few loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by using appeal to emotion or stereotypes). The reporting is factual and usually sourced. These are the most credible media sources. See all Least Biased Sources.
- Overall, we rate, The New Straits Times (NST) Least Biased based on story selection that is reasonably balanced. We also rate them Mostly Factual in reporting rather than High due to a lack of hyperlinked sourcing.
Detailed Report
Factual Reporting: MOSTLY FACTUAL
Country: Malaysia
World Press Freedom Rank: Malaysia 101/180
History
Launched in 1974 replacing “The Straits Times”, The New Straits Times (NST) is an English language daily newspaper based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Not to be confused with The Straits Times that is based in Singapore and not sold in Malaysia. In turn, The Malaysian newspaper New Straits Times is not sold in Singapore. However, they both were originally established as The Straits Times on July 15, 1845. The New Straits Times focuses on the latest news on politics, business, sports, world, and entertainment. Ahmad Lokman Mansor is the Group Editor.
Read our profile on Malaysia’s government and media.
Funded by / Ownership
The New Straits Times is currently owned by New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd (NSTP), which is a part of Media Prima Group (also known as “The Group”). For financial statements please see here. Datuk (DR) Syed Hussain Aljunid is the group Chairman. Revenue is derived through advertising and subscription sales.
Analysis / Bias
In 2020, Reporters Without Borders ranked Malaysia 101/180 in their Press Freedom Index. Stating that the media environment improved after the defeat of former Prime Minister Najib Razak, however, despite the progress “archaic laws still endure.”
The current Prime Minister of Malaysia is Muhyiddin Yassin who formed an alliance with the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) to gain the majority in the parliament. Muhyiddin Yassin leans Right.
In review, The New Straits Times (NST) publishes articles with minimal emotionally loaded language such as “Azmin and Co back Dr. Mahathir as 8th prime minister”. They cover the current Prime Minister with a positive tone “Muhyiddin rises to the occasion”. They also publish equally positive articles about the center-left opposition “Anwar: Time to close ranks, move on”. Coverage of the USA tends to be negative in a tone such as this: “Dr. Mahathir to Trump: Resign”. In addition, they republish world news stories from AFP. When it comes to sourcing they tend to rely on large quotes, rather than hyperlinks. In general news is reported factually and with a reasonable balance in story selection.
Failed Fact Checks
- None in the Last 5 years
Overall, we rate, The New Straits Times (NST) Least Biased based on story selection that is reasonably balanced. We also rate them Mostly Factual in reporting rather than High due to a lack of hyperlinked sourcing. (M. Huitsing 5/21/2020)
Source: https://www.nst.com.my/
Last Updated on June 28, 2023 by Media Bias Fact Check
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Left vs. Right Bias: How we rate the bias of media sources